The Maldives government is facing a wave of anger after cabinet ministers blocked an anonymous X account, @Hkurusee ,known for exposing corruption. The move, ordered by the government after discussions, has been slammed as an attack on free speech. In response, Maldivians launched the #BringBackHKurusee campaign on X, which soared to the number one trending topic in the country.
On Sunday night, @Hkurusee shared screenshots showing that President Dr. Muizzu, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, and Attorney General Ahmed Usham had blocked the account. Reports say the government told ministers to block @Hkurusee to silence its claims of corruption. Active since 2022, the account has leaked sensitive details about government wrongdoing, making it a target for both the current Muizzu administration and the previous government under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Since Muizzu became president,@Hkurusee has posted more accusations, including claims of corruption and poor governance. Recently, it shared a photo of Muizzu and Sajidha in Singapore, leading police to investigate and seize the photographer’s phone.
The account has become a symbol of fighting corruption. Its posts, including allegations against cabinet ministers, have shocked many in the Maldives. A recent post from @HkuruseeBackup , a support account, suggested that @Hkurusee might soon reveal a minister’s identity for trying to “erase evidence” by pushing for the account’s suspension—a claim it said could “shock the nation.”
Maldivians rallied behind the account, making #BringBackHKurusee the top trend in the country. Many call the blocking a clear attack on free speech and an effort to hide corruption.
X user @AndrewAdhurey praised @Hkurusee as “the voice of truth in the Maldives.” They wrote, “While corruption grows and media stays quiet out of fear or control, Kurusee shares what others won’t dare.” Former Vice President @MjameelAhmed called the government’s actions, including a police request to ban the account, “unacceptable.” They hailed @Hkurusee for “revealing government corruption” and being a key source of truth.
